PHOTOS: Great Reno Balloon Race Lifts Off This Weekend

The Great Reno Balloon Race takes to Reno’s sky for the 35th year this Friday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 11 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. In addition to the morning Glow Shows and Dawn Patrol, fans can expect to see a variety of special-shaped balloons, including Angry Birds; Jewel, a hummingbird; Pegleg Pete, a pirate parrot; Rio Grande Raider, a pirate ship; SnoBird, a camera carrying penguin; Piranha and more. 

Credit: Ty O’Neil

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 9

3:30 a.m. Gates Open

5:15 a.m. Super Glow Show

6:45 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch

7 a.m. Biggest Little Pajama Party

9:30 a.m. E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Launch

Saturday, September 10

3:30 a.m. Gates Open

5 a.m. Glow Show

6:45 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch

7 a.m. Biggest Little Pajama Party & Bed Head Competition

Sunday, September 11

3:30 a.m. Gates Open

5 a.m. Glow Show

6 a.m. Girl Scouts Scavenger Hunt

6:45 a.m. City of Reno Proclamation for 35th anniversary

7 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch

Visit RenoBalloon.com for parking and transportation information, along with tips for enjoying the event.